By Denise Valdez-Alvarez
OMAHA, Neb. – Community members came together Saturday to support local artists participating in Art Battle Omaha, hosted by Culxr House.
The art showdowns began in 2022 after Marcey Yates, founder and executive director of Culxr House, was inspired by an Art Battle event he attended in Chicago.
After identifying a need for art spaces, community support and more opportunities for artists, Yates partnered with Art Battle to launch Art Battle Omaha. The event has since grown from a series held every other month from March through November to a monthly competition due to increased community interest.
“I think about the greater good of the community, number one. Right. And then thinking about our community artists too and how we can help elevate them, and get them more opportunities,” Yates said.
At the center of the event, artists compete in three rounds with 20 minutes each to complete a painting in front of a live audience, along a DJ who sets the mood throughout the competition.
After each round, spectators vote for their favorite paintings. Two artists from the first and second round advance to the final round, where they compete for the Art Battle winner title.
Winners earn the chance to compete at national and international competitions.
First-time participant Ashlynn Richmond, a self-taught artist from Omaha, developed their skills over time alongside their mother.
Richmond said the experience was nerve-racking but full of great energy.
“You’ve got a place where, you know, artists get to get out there and people get to enjoy it. Nobody leaves a loser. There’s no losers here,” Richmond said.
People attended on their own, on dates, and with family and friends.
Among the crowd was Shantal Hernandez, who attended with her daughters, Ariana and Alexia, to support her husband.
She said events like this can inspire the next generation of artists.
“I think it’s really important because sometimes the kids like it too. And then can be trying to do stuff like this,” Hernandez said.
With each event, Art Battle Omaha is creating new opportunities for artists while strengthening and inspiring the community through art.
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